Texas has long been a backdrop for cinema, offering filmmakers settings that shift from sprawling deserts to bustling cityscapes. No wonder there are so many movies filmed in Texas.
Hollywood and independent directors alike have discovered that its towns and landscapes provide character in their own right.
Audiences often recall not just the stories, but also the places that framed them.
Ranging from tender romances to harrowing horror films and sweeping epics, many productions captured Texas as a vital piece of their narrative.
Without further ado, let us take a look at the most iconic movies filmed in Texas.
10. Hope Floats (1998) – Smithville, TX
Sandra Bullock and Harry Connick Jr. delivered a heartfelt romantic drama about love, heartbreak, and second chances. Smithville played an essential role, offering a small-town environment that reflected resilience and human connection.
Its timeless look gave audiences the feeling of everyday intimacy, which made the film so memorable.
- Historic Main Street with preserved storefronts and antique shops
- Festival of Lights parade route, showcasing community pride
- Smithville Heritage Center, filled with local history and cultural displays
Walking through these areas allows travelers to experience the same streets where the story unfolded, while also enjoying events and traditions that keep the town lively.
9. Logan’s Run (1976) – Fort Worth & Houston, TX
Logan’s Run captured audiences with a dystopian future that blended imagination with real Texas architecture.
Directors saw in Fort Worth and Houston a futuristic canvas that required no digital tricks. Their bold architecture allowed a science-fiction world to emerge right in the heart of Texas.
- Fort Worth Water Gardens, with cascading pools and geometric structures
- Hyatt Regency Houston, known for its impressive atrium and sleek design
- Downtown Houston architecture, providing a futuristic backdrop for multiple scenes
Travelers who visit these places can appreciate how architecture became part of the storytelling long before CGI dominated the screen.
8. Office Space (1999) – Austin, TX
Mike Judge’s satirical masterpiece on office life became a cult phenomenon by skewering corporate monotony with sharp humor.
Austin’s suburban office parks and casual eateries gave the movie a deliberately ordinary atmosphere, making the absurd characters stand out even more.
- Baker St. Pub (used as “Chotchkie’s”), still popular with visitors
- Austin office parks, where endless cubicle scenes were shot
- Tech corridors around Austin, reflecting the culture that inspired Judge
Exploring these sites feels like walking into the frustrations of 9-to-5 life, mixed with humor that still resonates decades later.
7. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre (1974) – Bastrop, TX
Tobe Hooper shocked audiences with one of the most influential horror films ever made. Bastrop’s gritty, rural environment contributed to the unsettling atmosphere, amplifying the terror that viewers felt.
Despite its low budget, the movie carved its place in horror history, and the town remains tied to its legacy.
- Last Chance Gas Station, restored as a BBQ spot with themed lodging
- Local rural roads near Bastrop, adding to the eerie drive-in feel
- On-site memorabilia displays, celebrating the cult status of the movie
Visiting the area allows travelers to relive the raw and shocking energy that made the film unforgettable.
6. Bonnie and Clyde (1967) – Pilot Point, TX
Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway brought Depression-era outlaws to life with intensity and style. Pilot Point was chosen for its authentic town square, which provided the perfect stage for pivotal robbery scenes.
The location grounded the story in a real historical setting that made the narrative even more powerful.
- Historic downtown square, preserved much like it appeared in the film
- Old bank building and surrounding architecture, recognizable in several shots
- Walking tours, connecting cinema lovers with the film’s legacy
Standing in these spaces gives travelers a chance to relive American cinema at a time when bold storytelling transformed the industry.
5. Selena (1997) – Corpus Christi & San Antonio, TX
Jennifer Lopez gave an unforgettable performance as Selena Quintanilla, the Tejano superstar whose influence remains strong.
Corpus Christi and San Antonio both played critical roles, honoring the artist’s life, career, and cultural impact.
- Selena Museum, curated by her family
- Swantner Park, where locals gather to remember her
- San Antonio Riverwalk, a lively spot featured in the film
- The Alamo, blending history with cinematic presence
Each stop becomes more than a sightseeing experience—it connects visitors with Selena’s enduring spirit and her contributions to music and culture.
4. Friday Night Lights (2004) – Odessa, TX
Few films capture small-town devotion to football like Friday Night Lights. Based on real events, the film brought Odessa’s football culture to the world, highlighting passion, pressure, and community identity.
Odessa itself played the part of a character, reflecting how the sport intertwines with local life.
- Ratliff Stadium, home of the Permian Panthers
- Local Odessa neighborhoods, used for multiple dramatic scenes
- Permian High School, central to the true story that inspired both book and film
Visiting these sites shows how football represents far more than competition, it embodies shared pride and resilience in Texas towns.
3. The Last Picture Show (1971) – Archer City, TX
Peter Bogdanovich created a haunting coming-of-age tale using Archer City, the hometown of writer Larry McMurtry. Filmed in black and white, the movie reflects isolation, transition, and longing.
Archer City itself became an unforgettable part of the story, almost like another character on screen.
- Restored Royal Theater, which remains a symbol of the story
- Historic downtown structures, preserved much as they appeared in 1971
- Local bookshops tied to McMurtry, adding a literary connection to the cinematic legacy
Walking through Archer City provides a strong sense of how art and community became intertwined through both literature and film.
2. No Country for Old Men (2007) – Big Bend Region
Joel and Ethan Coen used the rugged Big Bend region to amplify tension in their Oscar-winning thriller. Harsh desert stretches, small-town facades, and quiet highways shaped the movie’s grim tone.
The raw natural environment added gravity to the story of fate and violence.
- Marfa, where many town sequences were shot
- Alpine, with desert surroundings that framed tense moments
- Highways across Big Bend National Park, instantly recognizable in chase sequences
Fans who travel these areas step into cinematic highways and desert views that carried much of the story’s weight.
1. Giant (1956) – Marfa, TX
James Dean, Elizabeth Taylor, and Rock Hudson brought Texas history to the screen in a sweeping epic that tackled themes of family, wealth, and cultural change.
Marfa hosted one of Hollywood’s grandest productions of its time, and its influence still lingers.
- Ryan Ranch site, where the massive mansion facade once stood
- Hotel Paisano, where the cast and crew stayed during filming
- Open skies of West Texas, still just as breathtaking today
Marfa remains forever tied to Giant, and travelers often find themselves reflecting on the film while surrounded by the same horizon that shaped its grandeur.
Summary
Texas continues to attract filmmakers because its towns and terrains provide depth and authenticity that elevate storytelling. Fans eager to connect with cinematic history can follow a curated Texas Classics Trail or design their own film-inspired road trip.
Pairing visits with local festivals or seasonal events enhances the experience, offering more than a simple sightseeing tour.
Don’t forget to capture Instagram-worthy moments at these film locations, and share them with hashtags like #TexasMovieTrip to inspire fellow travelers and movie lovers alike.
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